Small Pincertail (Gomphus forcipatus). Male. Taken nr Novo Hodzhovo, Bulgaria, on July 23rd 2015.
Male. Taken nr Novo Hodzhovo, Bulgaria, on July 23rd 2015.
(1/200th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings) 
Small Pincertail (Gomphus forcipatus). Male. Taken at the Mesta River fishponds, Bulgaria, on July 23rd 2015.
Male. Taken at the Mesta River fishponds, Bulgaria, on July 23rd 2015.
(1/400th sec at f11. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings) 
Small Pincertail (Gomphus forcipatus). Female. Taken nr Novo Hodzhovo, Bulgaria, on June 24th 2014.
Female. Taken nr Novo Hodzhovo, Bulgaria, on June 24th 2014.
(1/400th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings) Description
Wingspan: 50 - 60 mm; Body length: 46 - 50 mm
This species is also known as the Green-eyed Hooktail. It is the most common Hooktail and the only one occuring in much of Europe. Males perched on a stream-side rock with their claspers raised are a typical sight in the summer.
It is found in southern and central Europe, and extends into northern Europe and eastwards to Greece and Turkey.
Its prefered habitat is largely unshaded (usually rocky) rivers and streams.
The flight period is from May to September.
Common in the south, but local in the north.
Sightings
| 23-Jul-2015 | : | nr Novo Hodzhovo, Bulgaria | |
| 23-Jul-2015 | : | Mesta River fishponds, Bulgaria | |
| 22-Jul-2015 | : | Kresna Gorge, Bulgaria | |
| 22-Jul-2015 | : | nr Sandanski, Bulgaria | |
|
| 26-Jun-2014 | : | Kresna Gorge, Bulgaria | |
| 25-Jun-2014 | : | Rupite Hot Springs, Bulgaria | |
| 24-Jun-2014 | : | Mesta River fishponds, Bulgaria | |
| 24-Jun-2014 | : | nr Novo Hodzhovo, Bulgaria | |
| 22-Jun-2014 | : | Plazishte, Bulgaria | |
| 21-Jun-2014 | : | Byal gradets, Bulgaria | |
| 19-Jun-2014 | : | nr Mirovo, Bulgaria | |
|
| 29-Jun-2010 | : | Vienne, France | |
| 28-Jun-2010 | : | Vienne, France | |
